One of the most common questions I get from clients booking Virgin Voyages is what's actually included in the fare. Virgin includes more than most cruise lines, but a few things still cost extra. Here's the full breakdown so there are no surprises once you're onboard.
What's Included in Every Virgin Voyages Fare
Dining at All 20+ Restaurants
Every restaurant is included, with no upcharge for "specialty" dining, no set dining times, and no traditional buffet. You can do Italian one night, Korean barbecue the next, and a steakhouse after that without paying a cover charge.
Essential Drinks
Soda, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, tea, and basic juices are complimentary throughout your sailing.
Wi-Fi
Every sailor gets Wi-Fi. The level depends on your fare type (more on that below), but even the basic plan covers messaging, social media, and browsing.
Fitness and Entertainment
Gym access, group fitness classes, all shows, and the nightlife lineup are included. For every show by ship, see my Virgin Voyages shows guide.
The Beach Club at Bimini
On sailings that stop there, Virgin's private beach club, its pools, food, and basic drinks are included. See the Beach Club at Bimini guide.
What Costs Extra
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the fare. They're a set amount per sailor, per night:
$20 per night if you prepay before your sailing
$22 per night if you pay onboard
That's the only tipping you need to do. Virgin doesn't add extra gratuities to drinks, spa services, or dining, so there's no 18% surprise on your bar bill. Prepaying saves $2 per person, per night, which adds up to $28 for two people on a 7-night sailing.
Alcoholic Drinks
Cocktails, beer, and wine aren't included. Most sailors prepay a Bar Tab, which adds bonus credit on top of what you load. See Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained. Or run your numbers in my Bar Tab Calculator.
Premium Coffee and Juice
Specialty lattes and cold brew from The Grounds Club, plus fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, aren't part of the complimentary drinks.
Spa and Thermal Suite
The thermal suite runs $59 on port days and $79 on sea days for a three-hour block. Massages, facials, and salon services cost extra too.
"Treat Yourself" Menu Items
All restaurants are included, but a few venues have upcharge items on the menu. At The Wake, that includes the Grand Plateau seafood tower, raw bar selections, and the aged tomahawk steak. Cooking and mixology classes at some venues also carry an extra charge.
Wi-Fi Upgrades
If your fare's Wi-Fi isn't enough, faster plans for video calls and streaming are available for an extra charge.
Shore Things (Excursions)
Excursions are booked and paid for separately, and payment is due when you book.
How Virgin's Fare Types Change What's Included
For Sea Terrace cabins and below, Virgin offers four fare types. The onboard basics above are the same on all of them. What changes is your Wi-Fi, flexibility, and a few extras.
Lock It In
Lowest price
Virgin assigns your cabin, and it can't be changed
No changes allowed, and non-refundable from the start
Base
Basic Wi-Fi for one device
Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing
No date or name changes
Essential
Faster Wi-Fi for one device, including audio calls
Dining reservations open 45 days before sailing
More flexibility for changes, with Future Voyage Credit options
Premium
Premium Wi-Fi for two devices, including video calls and streaming
A $15 per sailor, per night Bar Tab included
Dining reservations open 60 days before sailing
The most flexibility for changes, including the lead sailor's name
A note on cabins: When you book direct with Virgin on any fare, Virgin assigns your specific cabin, and you'd have to contact Virgin to change it. Booking through a First Mate, I can choose your exact cabin for you on Base, Essential, and Premium fares. Lock It In cabins are always assigned by Virgin and can't be changed.
RockStar and Mega RockStar suites come with their own perks on top of these.
The right fare depends on how sure you are about your dates and how much you'd use the extras. Premium's included Bar Tab and Wi-Fi can make it the better value for a lot of sailors, even at a higher price.
How Much Should You Budget?
Beyond your fare, a typical sailor should plan for:
Gratuities: $20 per night (prepaid)
Drinks: whatever you'd load on a Bar Tab, if you drink
Shore Things: varies by port and activity
Extras: spa, thermal suite, or upgraded Wi-Fi, if you want them
For real numbers by fare, cabin, and trip length, see my budget guide, How Much Does a Virgin Voyages Cruise Really Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgin Voyages all-inclusive?
Not fully. All restaurants, essential drinks, Wi-Fi, fitness, and entertainment are included. Gratuities, alcohol, spa services, and excursions cost extra.
Are gratuities included on Virgin Voyages?
No. Gratuities are $20 per sailor, per night if prepaid, or $22 if paid onboard. No other tips are added to drinks or services.
Is Wi-Fi free on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Every fare includes Wi-Fi, and the speed and number of devices depend on your fare type.
Are drinks included on Virgin Voyages?
Essential drinks like soda, water, drip coffee, and tea are included. Alcohol and specialty coffee cost extra.
Is specialty dining included on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. All 20+ restaurants are included with no cover charge. Only a few "Treat Yourself" menu items cost extra.
Not Sure Which Fare Is Right for You?
Request a free quote and I'll walk you through exactly what to expect for your sailing, including fare type, gratuities, drinks, and excursions, so there are no surprises. Same price as booking direct.
